Artiphon Orba 2 Review: A Fun, Touch-Sensitive Musical Instrument

The Artiphon Orba 2 is about the size of an orange and looks like an echo dot. It is meant to be held in the palm of your hand, where you can use it to make music. If you are not a trained musician, the form factor is intriguing.

Even if you don't know how to make music, the device is easy to use. The sounds produced by the slices across the top of the Orba are varied. The sound can be heard through speakers built into the bottom, or it can be routed using the headphones on the side. You can control the dynamics of each sound with the musical pads. You can combine button presses with certain gestures to make changes. The Orba's pitch will warp along with the movement of the note being played. As you use the buttons, the Orba will buzz and flash like a game controller. You can conduct your own song with all of these features.

The Orba 2 houses Artiphon's synthesis engine. There is a variety of drum, synthesizer, and string sounds to play with on the device. The Orba can be connected to a computer or phone with a cable.

The Orba 2 is the sequel to the Orba 1. The $150 price is a big step up from the $100 price of the Orba 1. You can import sound files from your phone or computer with this newer Orba. You can build loops that are up to five minutes in length, an upgrade from the 45 second limit on the Orba 1. The Orba 2 has a quantizer feature that can help rhythmically challenged people by making their performances sound tighter and more robotic.

The built-in speakers aren't loud enough to be used during a live performance, but they're good enough to hear what you're playing. The cans are plugged into the side of the jack for better sound. That is where the Orba 2 is at its best, with your headphones on, hunched over, and ignoring everyone else on the bus. It is great for bringing along on trips where you will have a lot of downtime, or for handing to a child you need to keep busy for awhile.